County News

County Issues Burn Ban

Post Date:06/12/2018 5:33 PM

Burn Ban in effect for Brazoria County

Brazoria County– Commissioners Court voted on June 12, 2018, to implement a 90-day county burn ban due to dry conditions in large areas of the county. The ban was put into effect immediately following Commissioners Court, June 12th. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Brazoria County on June 12th is 555 (countywide average) and continues to rise as the Summer heat and wind continues to dry out the soil and vegetation. Once the KBDI reaches within the 600-800 range, drought conditions are considered severe with an increasing concern for wildfires.

The burn ban prohibits outdoor burning. Violations of the burn ban order include burning any combustible material outside of an enclosure, serving to contain all flames and/or sparks, or order such burning by others. Contained BBQ pits and grills are permitted, but open flame pits are not permitted. Any violation of this Order is a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine.

If weather conditions improve for safe outdoor burning within 90-days and the KBDI average is below 400 for five consecutive days, County Judge Matt Sebesta may authorize the burn ban lifted. Please refer to the Brazoria County website for updates concerning the burn ban at http://www.brazoriacountytx.gov